Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Coatesville man arrested for rape of children
After a two-year investigation, a Coatesville man was arrested in connection with the rape and sexual assaults of children in Thorndale, Westtown, East Goshen, West Chester, and California.
Dominigo Avalois-Pantoja, 50, was charged with four counts of statutory sexual assault on children ages 4 to 8, 13 counts of aggravated indecent assault without consent. three counts of corruption of minors, four counts of indecent assault of a person less than 13 years of age, unlawful contact with minors involving sexual offenses and related charges.
In February of 2021, the West Chester Police began investigating the report of sexual assaults that took place in California and Pennsylvania. Through the investigation, it was determined that the sexual assaults that occurred in Pennsylvania were in Thorndale, Westtown, East Goshen and in the Borough of West Chester. Avalos-Pantoja was identified and charged with rape and additional charges.
In addition, the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department received a sexual assault report involving a minor that was obtained through a Childline report.
During the investigation, numerous interviews were conducted which led to additional victims from other jurisdictions. The victims were all known to the offender and at one time lived with him. The complex investigation required the coordinated efforts of the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department along with the Chester County District Attorney’s Office, Chester County Detectives, and the West Chester Borough Police Department.
He was arrested on March 8, processed and arraigned. Bail was set and a preliminary hearing is pending at district court.
He was arraigned by District Justice Mackenzie Smith and bail was set at $100,000. Avalos-Pantoja was unable to post bail and was transported to Chester County Prison.
Authorities said this case illustrates the importance of notifying Childline for suspected child abuse. Childline is part of a mandated statewide child protective services program designed to accept child abuse referrals and general well-being concerns and transmit the information quickly to the appropriate investigating agency.
The toll-free hotline, 1-800-9320313, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to receive reports of suspected child abuse.